Introduction

2B is a character that excels in controlling space and converting opportunities into strong offensive sequences. With her exceptional normals and a variety of movement options, she can overwhelm opponents both in neutral and at close range. However, her lack of strong defensive tools requires a proactive approach to both offense and defense. This guide will explore her strengths, weaknesses, optimal combos, and strategies to dominate your matches.

Core Strengths and Playstyle

• Neutral Dominance:
  • 5M (Medium Attack): Arguably one of the best normals in the game. Its impressive reach and ability to whiff-cancel into specials make it the cornerstone of 2B’s neutral game.
  • 5H (Heavy Attack): Extended range and high damage, useful for punishing rolls and creating significant pressure.
• Mobility and Mix-ups:
  • Double Jump and Float (5U): Provide mix-up potential and counter anti-air attempts.
  • Grapple Hook: Passes through projectiles and leaves 2B at +5 on block, setting up safe pressure.

Key Special Moves

• 236L (Fireball): Fast 22-frame startup with knockdown potential, allowing for safe approaches.
• EX Fireball: Leaves 2B at +10, ideal for maintaining pressure and forcing blocks.
• Tackle (214L/M/H): Useful for converting off light attacks and securing knockdowns.
• Homing Fireball: Provides zoning control but has limited utility due to meter lockout.

Combos and Conversions

• Mid-Screen BnB:
  • 5M > 5M > 5H > 214L
  • Safe and effective for controlling space.
• Corner Combos:
  • Double Tackle into Safe Jump: Offers high damage and a mix-up opportunity.
  • EX Projectile Extension: More damage but requires precise timing and more skill gauge.
• Raging Strike Combo:
  • Converts significant damage at the cost of a Brave Point.
  • Use sparingly due to 2B’s weak defense.

Offensive Strategy

• Dash Cancel Pressure:
  • Dash cancel (6U) allows for throws or low mix-ups, maintaining offense unpredictably.
  • Effective against guard cancels when timed correctly.
• High-Low Mix-ups:
  • Use float cancels for ambiguous cross-ups or empty jump lows.
  • EX Fireball in the corner sets up safe mix-ups.
• Skill Gauge Management:
  • Maintain mid-level skill gauge for continuous offense.
  • Avoid overusing EX moves unless securing a kill.

Defensive Tools and Limitations

• Parry:
  • Frame 5 activation makes it unreliable for mashing.
  • Use tactically against predictable follow-ups or plus frames.
• Guard Cancel:
  • Essential for escaping pressure due to weak reversals.
  • Prioritize conserving Brave Points for guard cancels over Raging Strike.
• Ultimate DP:
  • Effective but should be used sparingly due to resource cost.

Advanced Techniques and Gimmicks

• Self-Destruct:
  • Extremely niche but can punish post-Super Flash moves if used correctly.
  • Gimmicky setups like post-Tech traps can catch lower-ranked players off guard.
• Anti-Air Optimization:
  • 2H > Delayed Hammer > Dash M > Combo Extension.
  • Ensures maximum damage off anti-air hits.

Match-Up Tips

• Against Zoners:
  • Use grapple hook to bypass projectiles and apply safe pressure.
• Against Rushdown:
  • Maintain space with 5M and EX Fireball to interrupt dash-ins.

Conclusion

2B’s toolkit offers a unique blend of long-range control and close-quarters mix-ups. Mastering her neutral game and managing resources effectively will allow you to overwhelm opponents and capitalize on their mistakes. Practice her combos and pressure sequences to make the most of her strengths while covering her defensive gaps.